Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the Member for putting the motion forward in this House. As Members are aware, to meet programming infrastructure needs, all departments follow and also plan within the GNWT’s established capital planning process. The capital planning process contains a method to identify the highest priority projects using these five conditions: protection of the people, assets and environment, financial investments and also program needs and requirements.

For the proposed education or training projects, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment explores possibilities and capital needs with education and training partners, such as Aurora College, divisional education councils and regional training partnerships. To date, the department has been working closely with ITI on the Sahtu potential and has been conducting needs assessments, beginning in 2012. The first phase was completed, focusing on potential industry needs, should a commitment arise from the company exploring the Sahtu potential. A second needs assessment, of course, is underway, with local businesses,

educators, NGOs, and various levels of government involvement.

It is also important to know that while there appears to be potential, we do not have either a scope of work or time commitment from the company currently exploring the region for a definitive or expansive drilling plan. We are, however, ensuring that we have continuing opportunities and people in place to address potential training needs and opportunities.

Over the last few years, ECE’s career development expenditures in Sahtu increased by nearly 90 percent, to $798,000 in 2013-2014. These are delivered through Canada-NWT Labour Market agreements and territorial programs. Residents also can access programs in the NWT through our colleges and various levels of programming. Funding has been allocated to two new positions that will support the coordination of training for the Sahtu region as well. Both positions are located in Norman Wells and include a career development officer at the ECE Service Centre in Sahtu region and a training coordinator at the college. As well, the Sahtu regional training partnership has a five-year training plan to identify and guide training for the region.

The merits of the Sahtu Institute of Technology will certainly continue to be assessed in the capital planning process and through our ongoing work with our partners to provide training employment opportunities in the Sahtu region. Since the motion is a direction to this government, Cabinet will abstain. Mahsi.